We are afflicted in this age by the disease of social media, a plague that leaves the rational person bewildered. After the initial shock that lasted for years, the world is starting to realize the powerful influence of these platforms. Superpowers where hundreds of millions live are taking strict measures against sites they fear put their populations at risk.

What took place between the United States and China, following the US House of Representatives’ decision to urge TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, reflects the extent of these platforms’ influence. As of 2024, TikTok surpassed 1.5 billion monthly users, with revenues increasing by 23.1 percent compared to the previous year. A global report in 2023 revealed enormous profits for creators — individuals who manage to gain large followings, reaching at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 genuine views on their videos.

Herein lies the calamity, especially in poorer countries where people have become obsessed with these platforms, which pay for content that attracts followers. In our Eastern world, what content is better than scandals and exploiting bold scenes?

We are living today in a world dominated by short video clips, which have become the school and teacher for our children. With the profits accompanying these videos, educational content is the last of creators’ concerns. Given the frequent failures of parents in keeping their children away from such dangerous platforms, as we see today, the state must interfere, as the US Congress has done. The state must use modern technology and artificial intelligence to regulate these platforms and stem the flood of videos that could leave our generations at the mercy of those seeking quick gains.

It is time not only to hold political offenders accountable, but perhaps more importantly, to monitor such content and find a way to prevent it. The overwhelming tide of videos we see today will succeed where our enemies have failed; it will succeed in corrupting values and destroying morals.

local @kuwaittimes.com